Bhagalpur District Magistrate Demands Comprehensive LPG Status Report
In response to mounting complaints from LPG consumers in Bhagalpur district regarding significant delays in cylinder refills, District Magistrate Nawal Kishor Choudhary took decisive action on Monday. The DM has formally requested detailed status reports from officials of three major oil marketing companies: Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL). These reports are expected to provide comprehensive data on the current availability of LPG and other essential petroleum products throughout the district.
24x7 Control Room Activated for Consumer Grievances
The district administration has established a dedicated 24x7 district control room specifically designed to handle LPG-related consumer complaints. DM Choudhary has issued strict instructions to officials to ensure prompt and efficient redressal of all grievances. To facilitate this process, a nine-member team has been deployed at the control room, organized into three distinct groups that will work in shifts to register and monitor complaints continuously around the clock.
Directives to Oil Companies and Distributors
Choudhary has issued clear directives to all oil marketing companies and LPG distributors operating in Bhagalpur district. They have been instructed to immediately reduce existing supply backlogs and thoroughly investigate cases where consumers are experiencing unusually prolonged waiting periods for cylinder refills. The DM emphasized that these measures are crucial to restoring normalcy in LPG distribution and ensuring reliable service to all domestic consumers.
Distribution Network Details and Supply Assurance
Providing specific details about the local distribution infrastructure, the District Magistrate revealed that Bhagalpur district currently has 58 active LPG agencies. This network includes 33 agencies operated by IOCL, 16 by HPCL, and 9 by BPCL. DM Choudhary stressed that domestic LPG consumers are being supplied with gas strictly according to their booking schedules, and there should be no deviation from this established procedure.
"There is absolutely no shortage of LPG in Bhagalpur district, and there is no legitimate reason for panic among consumers," asserted Choudhary, quoting official statements from oil company representatives. He further disclosed that according to company data, over 12,500 LPG cylinders are being delivered to consumers daily across the district. To verify these claims personally, the DM has been conducting surprise inspections at various distribution centers to check booking records and delivery status.
Vigilance Against Illegal Practices
To combat potential malpractice in the LPG supply chain, special vigilance teams have been constituted at both block and sub-divisional levels throughout Bhagalpur district. These teams have been specifically tasked with taking decisive action against hoarding activities and black marketing of LPG cylinders. DM Choudhary issued a stern warning that strict legal action would be initiated against any touts or individuals found involved in the illegal black-market sale of LPG cylinders, emphasizing that such practices undermine the legitimate distribution system and harm consumers.
The District Magistrate's comprehensive approach addresses both immediate consumer concerns through the control room mechanism and long-term supply chain integrity through vigilance measures, aiming to ensure reliable LPG access for all Bhagalpur residents.
